Krypte Ransomware

Users from Germany or other regions where people speak the German language may encounter a malware called Krypte Ransomware. After the malicious program encrypts not only personal data but also program files on the system, it locks user’s screen and displays a text written in German. In exchange for the decryption key, the cyber criminals who developed the threat demand to pay a ransom. What is unusual is that they ask to make the payment not in Bitcoins but with a Paysafe card. Even though the sum might not seem to be huge, paying the ransom could be risky. Thus, if you do not want to take any chances, we advise you to get rid of Krypte Ransomware either manually with the instructions below or with the help of trustworthy antimalware software. Besides, we urge you to read the article too and learn more about such threats.

The malware may infect user’s system after launching a suspicious executable file. Such data could be sent to users through Spam emails. For example, Krypte Ransomware’s victims may receive attachments that look like photographs, various documents, etc. To make the user more curious or willing to open the file, it might have a catchy title. For instance, it could say that you are in the attached photograph or that the sent document is related to your online purchases, banking account, and so on.

When users receive such data instead of opening it right away, they should at least scan it with a reliable security tool. Otherwise, the infection might enter the system without their knowledge and do a lot of damage. According to our researchers, Krypte Ransomware quickly encrypts user’s data in the following folder %USERPROFILE%. As it would seem the threat does not target data in any other directory. For this process, the malicious program uses an encryption algorithm known as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). During it, a decryption key is created and also enciphered with another cryptosystem called RSA. Then it is sent to the secret server available only to the cyber criminals.

The research shows that this malware can encrypt not only private data (e.g. pictures, videos, documents, and other) but also executable files. In other words, the malicious application might damage program files too, although it should not cause much trouble for users as they can simply reinstall the infected software. Sadly, the situation with the private data is much worse if the only copies of your personal files were on the infected computer. However, this also means that if you did create any copies on removable media devices, your data could be recovered easily. Just before you upload it, we would advise you not to take any chances and get rid of Krypte Ransomware’s malicious files left on the system. In addition, it might be a good idea to scan the system with an antimalware tool, just to make sure the computer is clean and secure.

Moreover, as it was mentioned in the beginning, the infection should lock the screen too. To be more precise, it displays a window that cannot be closed, unless you use the Task Manager to kill its process. The text is a ransom note from the cyber criminals. They ask their victims to pay the ransom in seventy-two hours to receive the decryption key. If you have not thought about it yet, transferring the money could be risky as there are no reassurances. The malware’s creators might not send the decryption key, and the money you paid would be lost for nothing. Therefore, you should make your decision only after considering all the possibilities.

If you have the means to recover your data, e.g. copies on removable media or just do not want to put up with cyber criminal’s demands, there is nothing else left but to eliminate the threat and take control of your computer. To erase the infection manually, you should unlock the screen and delete the malware’s data. Simply slide a little below this text and follow the provided instructions. The other way to remove Krypte Ransomware is to install a reliable antimalware software and use it to erase the malicious program.

Eliminate Krypte Ransomware

Press the following combination Ctrl+Alt+Delete and select TaskManager.

Search for a process called WinOSHelp.exe on a list in the Processes tab.

Click WinOSHelp.exe and select the End Task button.

Open the Explorer and find the following directory %APPDATA%\WindowsOSHelper

Select an executable file called WinOSHelp.exe, right-click it and choose Delete.